FDA Releases Its Fiscal Year 1999 Law Enforcement Numbers
Offices of Regulatory Affairs and Criminal Investigation Kept Busy
ROCKVILLE, MD-The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) and Office of Criminal Investigation (OCI) reported record high numbers of recalls and detentions of potentially hazardous products, criminal convictions, and fines for the 1999 fiscal year. Contributing to the total 3,736 recalls were 1,295 non-compliant blood and blood products and 1,263 medical devices. The FDA detained 41,474 import shipments, almost half of which contained fresh produce and food deemed unsafe or in violation of FDA standards. The ORA conducted 15,161 facility inspections and consequently issued over 7,000 noncompliance lists and 900 warning letters. In addition, eight injunctions were conducted one of which resulted in a record payment of $100 million for a civil violation of public health laws. Not to be outdone, the OCI won 211 court convictions breaking all records set since its inception seven years ago.
I Was There: An Infection Preventionist on the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 30th 2025Deep feelings run strong about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some beautiful art has come out of those emotions. Infection Control Today is proud to share this poem by Carmen Duke, MPH, CIC, in response to a recent article by Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.
